Peter Aguilar happy for son Japeth play under Cone

MANILA, Philippines – Former Ginebra backup big man Peter Aguilar believes his son Japeth is in good hands as the Gin Kings begin their new chapter as a team under new coach Tim Cone.

Aguilar, who played briefly for Alaska under Cone during the early 90s, had a chance to watch his son practice under Cone at the CCF gym in Libis, Quezon City.

“Magandang mag-handle ng players si Tim Cone,” the elder Aguilar confided to Philstar.com after Ginebra’s practice.

“Alam niya (Cone) mag-motivate ng players kasi galing ako diyan dati. Ang players sa kanya pare-pareho lang. Walang superstar, kaya kita mo naman ang dami niyang championships,” he added.

The 49-year-old Aguilar recalled that during their time, Cone was all business in practice and during games, drilling to them the importance of playing tenacious defense all the time. 

No wonder, the elder Aguilar said he wants to see Japeth maximize his height and long arm span on the defensive end starting next season.

“Kailangan niya (Japeth) yung maglaro sa defense. Kasi si coach, defensive game iyan eh.  Mas gusto niya 'yung laro sa depensa, susunud na lang yung offense,” explained  Aguilar, who was drafted by Añejo Rhum (Ginebra’s former name) in the second round during the 1989 season.

Peter Aguilar owned a PBA career average of 4.2 points in 135 games, where aside from Anejo and Alaska, he also played for Seven-Up, Shell and Sta. Lucia from 1989 to 1993.

Aguilar said he is confident that his 6-foot-9 son can be at peak form by next season, owing to his consistent conditioning this offseason.

“Bata pa siya at may height naman siya. Pero wala namang problema sa kanya iyang conditioning kasi masipag si Japeth kung conditioning lang pag-uusapan,” he added.

The former PBA big man said he and his wife Josephine are settling down in the Philippines for good after working in Chicago for the last 14 years.

Aguilar explained that since being away that long, he has always dreamed of watching his son Japeth play basketball in the flesh.

“Dati kasi tumatawag lang ako sa kanya. Eh bilang manlalaro, gusto ko naman makita ang career ng anak ko sa personal. Hindi lang puro balita, tapos kung pa-retire na siya saka ko siya makikita maglaro,” he said.

“Saka gusto ko naman mapanuod ng live ang anak ko. Matagal ko na pinagdadasal yan.”

Before deciding to move back to the Philippines, Aguilar worked in an animal shampoo factory in Chicago after a brief stint with the Davao Eagles and the Socsargen Marlins in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association just before the turn of the 21st Century.